The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), in coordination with the North County Transit District (NCTD) and West Coast General, is preparing to begin the next phase of its Del Mar Bluff Stabilization project. Construction crews will be installing caissons and tiebacks in the NCTD right-of-way to stabilize portions of the coastal bluffs — but because that work requires a complete shutdown of any railway travel, the construction crews will be working Sunday through Thursday evenings, between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

This proposed construction schedule does not sit well with many nearby residents who say that summer is not the appropriate time for this project. During the June 21 Del Mar City Council meeting several local residents publicly spoke out, stating that their quality of life was greatly impacted by the last phase of the project a few years ago. Many said they were not able to sleep during the last phase due to noise and sound pollution, and feared that the same thing would happen during this phase.

Opponents also stated that many homeowners rent out their property during the summertime, and this project could impact their livelihoods, as well as hurt local tourism business. Several also stated that they were not given adequate notice by SANDAG about this project schedule. About 40 residents had signed a petition opposed to the project at presstime.

Although all permanent construction work is contained within the NCTD right-of-way, West Coast General has requested the use of two Del Mar rights-of -way as access points to the project: the western end of 8th Street, and Coast Boulevard at Seagrove Park. Based on community feedback about this project, Del Mar City Council has conditionally approved that request, under the stipulation that there be noise and light mitigation, that only daytime construction be allowed during the summer months, and that nighttime construction be put off until Sept. 15.

At presstime, the response from SANDAG was unknown, although city staff did believe that SANDAG could likely still complete the project without permit approval from Del Mar.